RICK LEMKE
The Collaborative of Fargo-Moorhead
Fargo,ND
27
years of professional experience
Results-oriented Senior Sales and Business Development Leader with 25 years of experience driving revenue growth and developing territories across manufacturing, construction, automotive, and building products. Expertise in sales leadership, coaching, negotiation, and market development, with a strong focus on enhancing dealer and strategic-account relationships.
Work History
District Sales Manager
1 Year 3 Months- Drive growth across commercial, agricultural, and residential markets through account development, product training, pricing guidance, market intelligence, and competitive positioning.
- Drove growth in commercial, agricultural, and residential markets through account development, product training, pricing guidance, market intelligence, and competitive positioning.
- Developed new business and expanded existing relationships by coordinating with operations, estimating, product, and customer-support teams.
Founder
4 Years 9 Months- Established regional initiative to enhance collaboration and drive business development.
- Built partnerships with local businesses and community leaders to advance regional events and initiatives.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance community engagement and collaborative initiatives.
- Led organizational growth through innovative programming and resource allocation strategies.
- Oversaw operational budgeting, ensuring efficient use of funds and resources for sustainability.
Commercial Sales / Business Development (Fractional)
6 Months- Established commercial sales function within historically residential-focused organization, enhancing market reach.
- Developed prospecting, pipeline, territory, and positioning processes while coaching sales professionals in transition to commercial selling.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Business Development Manager (Fractional)
5 Months- Led strategic business development, marketing, and client-expansion initiatives to enhance positioning in advanced manufacturing.
- Built and managed sales pipelines, cultivated client and investor relationships, identified new growth opportunities, and supported go-to-market strategy, driving revenue growth.
- Created customer-facing marketing campaigns, pitch materials, and digital outreach tools to strengthen visibility and engagement.
Business Development
3 Years 8 Months- Spearheaded business-development initiatives, facilitating communication between customers and internal teams to align needs and enhance service delivery.
- Directed opportunities through full project lifecycle, identifying new markets and strengthening long-term customer relationships to optimize project outcomes.
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities to drive revenue growth.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders to enhance market presence.
- Conducted market research to analyze trends and inform business development strategies.
President
1 Year 6 Months- Led strategic initiatives to drive industry growth, foster innovation, and enhance collaboration.
- Coordinated initiatives, workshops, and events to promote regional manufacturing priorities and strengthen partnerships.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance industry standards and practices among member organizations.
- Fostered collaboration between manufacturers, engineers, and regulatory agencies to drive innovation and compliance.
- Advocated for policy changes to support the growth and sustainability of the manufacturing sector.
Board Member
2 Years- Contributed to strategic direction and governance, enhancing community engagement and fundraising efforts.
- Provided strategic guidance to enhance organizational effectiveness and resource allocation.
- Oversaw development and implementation of community outreach programs to increase engagement.
- Collaborated with board members to establish long-term goals and initiatives for sustainability.
Outside Sales Representative
3 Years 7 Months- Managed and expanded portfolio of over 300 customers in North Dakota, enhancing truck parts and commercial account relationships.
- Developed strong customer relationships through tailored solutions and responsive service, resulting in increased sales opportunities.
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships to drive sales growth.
- Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities and customer needs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align product offerings with client requirements.
Business Relations Manager
11 Months- Directed marketing initiatives and event planning, enhancing staff training and support for customer-facing presentations.
- Enhanced brand visibility and generated leads through strategic events, presentations, and outreach efforts.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with local contractors to expand service offerings.
- Developed and implemented customer feedback systems to enhance satisfaction and service quality.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing marketing strategies for home improvement services.
Sales Manager / Sales Trainer
12 Years- Managed nationwide sales operations for commercial steel buildings, driving revenue growth and expanding customer base.
- Led comprehensive sales training on prospecting, presentation, negotiation, objection handling, and closing. Enhancing sales effectiveness.
- Developed marketing and advertising initiatives to boost lead generation and improve market presence.
Sales & Leasing / Finance & Insurance
5 Years 1 Month- Specialized in automobile sales and leasing, executed customer financing and negotiations, and managed transaction processes to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Business Management
Associate of Applied Science in Business - Sales, Marketing & Management
Skills
Sales leadership
Team leadership
Sales Analytics
Territory management
Revenue Generation
Customer Retention
Sales Training
Sales Workshops
Strategic Planning
Operational Optimization
Forecasting & Budgeting
Contract Negotiation
Vendor Relations
Digital Advertising
Goal setting
Timeline
District Sales Manager
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation / Cornerstone Building Brands
07.2025 - CurrentRead More
Commercial Sales / Business Development (Fractional)
Western Products
01.2025 - 07.2025Read More
Business Development Manager (Fractional)
Anvil Design & Manufacturing
08.2024 - 01.2025Read More
President
Red River Manufacturers and Engineers Association
11.2022 - 05.2024Read More
Founder
The Collaborative of Fargo-Moorhead
01.2022 - CurrentRead More
Board Member
ShareHouse Foundation
01.2022 - 01.2024Read More
Business Development
Interstate Assembly Systems
12.2020 - 08.2024Read More
Outside Sales Representative
Nelson International
05.2017 - 12.2020Read More
Business Relations Manager
Your Home Improvement Company
06.2016 - 05.2017Read More
Sales Manager / Sales Trainer
American Steel Span
06.2004 - 06.2016Read More
Sales & Leasing / Finance & Insurance
Gateway Chevrolet
05.1999 - 06.2004Read More
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Associate of Applied Science in Business from Sales, Marketing & Management
Read More
Rasmussen College
Bachelor's Degree from Business Management
Read More